Acrylics, ‘Lives and Treasure’ (Friendly Fire / Hot Sand)

Like their sonic stepcousins Stars and Headlights, this breathy, ’80s-loving boy-girl duo are not only attentive to the spoils of love, but also to its sacrifices, like when a partner wrecks a good night’s sleep by steaming up the sheets or when romantic considerations complicate clothing choices. Maybe that’s why even at its most hummably glossy — check the Phil Collins synth burbles on “Counting Sheep” and Coldplay guitar smoke on “Asian Pear” — Lives and Treasure rarely strays into cheesiness: The songs appeal broadly, but they’re tailor-made for two people.

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